Who is that glamorous woman in the kitchen? Why, that's Ellie! She;s here to demonstrate how a few small changes made to mass produced miniatures can make them just right for your space!
The kitchen furnishings are made up of some barewood hutch units, a Jane Harrop farm sink kit, and some scratch and dent appliances found on eBay. The layout works, but they need a little something...
20 seconds in the microwave, and I was able to carefully remove the the hutch pieces from the bases.
New counter tops and trim were cut from 1/16" basswood, then stained. These created a continual surface, turning individual pieces into one unit. More counter space is appreciated by everyone, even mini cooks!
The stand alone hutch now has more room for baking preparations.
A great fit for the room, lots of storage space, and the functionality that every busy Christmas kitchen needs.
The appliances were given a little silver paint in strategic places to add interest and realism.
Even Ellie was transformed to fit in better with her new surroundings. It's amazing what a new hairstyle and outfit can do for you.
With temperatures reaching 94 degrees today, I'm going to embrace that Christmas thought.
Hope you're keeping cool in the Northern Hemisphere, and warm thoughts in the Southern.
xo xo,
Jodi
jodi, this looks perfect for this period! you did a great job with these alterations to ready made products ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marion! It was fun to bring out the best in them!
DeleteYour ability to know just how to transform the Mundane into Magnificent is Incredible Jodi!
ReplyDeleteI love your new continuous sink counter and the way in which you have added the tile backslash to connect both sides of the wall unit together. ♡
I feel myself getting more excited about Christmas (even in this heat) all because of what your doing with this Adorable "Gingerbread infused" cottage. :D
elizabeth
Thank you, Elizabeth! This means so much coming from you! I used a piece of 1/2" strip wood and just carved the tiles into it.
DeleteI hope the fires up there aren't impacting you too badly. With our air quality being worse than Beijing because of them, We really need that offshore wind to return!
I absolutely love your kitchen. Especially that dark wood with the light paint. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheila! Better to show off the things on the shelves I hope!
DeleteUn estupendo trabajo.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Isabel!
DeleteWhat a sweet little kitchen Jodi and perfect for the Christmas theme! I am sure Ellie appreciates the space with a few 'modern' conveniences!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shannon! She looks pretty jovial doesn't she? Must be that awesome Roper range! Now if only they had dishwashers back then...
DeleteOoohhh, I LOVE what you have done with those hutches!!! And the vintage feel they have is perfect for the appliances!!! Plus, the open lower parts make such good display areas for all the items you will want to show off!!! What a wonderful kitchen design this is! As for Ellie, I almost thought for a minute that it was "Gabrielle" (from my mini world) out on a "moon-lighting" job showing off kitchen appliances! LOL! Ellie certainly looks a lot more "at home" in her new clothes.... and we won't mention what happened to her hair! LOL! I am really enjoying watching you put this project together!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Betsy! I hope the items I have and make will do them justice! I see a lot of try-outs in my near future!
DeleteEllie is wonderful, isn't she? After losing out on too many auctions for older female dolls, I decided to transform my own! Wait until you see her handsome husband - he's going to need a little "updating", as well!
haha.. poor Ellie went gray overnight! I feel her.. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your transformation of the hutches and such a great idea to use the sink section from the Jane Harrop kit. I have one of those gas refrigerators that is a bit banged up.. I bit of silver paint might just be the trick needed. Thanks for the tip! :)
Yes, yes... Eventually, you just tire of the hair color upkeep and let your natural beauty come through, lol!
DeleteThanks, Sam! I have seen those fridges painted in various colors with adorable results - that might be an option depending on what style you have in mind. Spray paint would look wonderful, and since the door is removable, easy to achieve.
Hello Jodi,
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful transformations! You did an incredible job updating the appliances. Sometimes a little change can make such a huge impact. As for the cabinetry...sensational. You took very clunky looking pieces and made them look much more realistic...I think the finished did a lot to improve them. I love the white and the wood counters. It is such a lovely kitchen and now Ellie, who also looks perfect for the part, can enjoy Christmas baking. I think you really used the space of the kit beautifully and create something wonderful. I told you that you were a super talented and very competent miniaturist. God I love being right ;)
Big hug
Giac
Thank you, Giac! You are so kind, and your encouragement gives me wings! I like when you're right, too! :O)
DeleteI love the new cabinets, not only the new layout you created but the color choices are perfect with the gingerbread theme. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brae! I am restraining myself and trying not to get too Christmas-y. No promises on the outside of the house tho - you will KNOW what it's all about the moment you see it! :O)
DeleteYou have done a wonderful job with the hutches and sink unit. I love the appliances they go perfectly well with the furniture. The ladies too look happy in their surrounding.
ReplyDeleteGreat Christmas kitchen. Wish it was winter here too. Thank God for air-conditioners!
Hugs, Drora
Hi Drora! Thanks so much for the kind words! I am praying for some cooler weather to come your way, and ours, too! Don't know how we'd sleep without the AC, so yes - Thank You God for the blessing of air conditioning!
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